Vijay Mallya Drops in at Virat Kohli Event, Indian Team Avoids Him: Report
In fact, Mallya's presence forced the Indian team to leave early in order to avoid any controversy.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: June 06, 2017 07:15 pm IST
Highlights
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Virat Kohli organised a charity dinner on Monday
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Vijay Mallya made an appearance at the event
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Kohli was picked to play for RCB by Mallya
Flamboyant business tycoon Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for unpaid debts worth more than 9,000 crores, has been causing headaches for India's cricketers on tour in England, showing up at a match and a red-carpet event while on bail over massive fraud charges.
The indebted liquor baron - who fled India last year without repaying a group of banks - caused some awkwardness by marking his presence at a charity dinner hosted by skipper Virat Kohli and attended by other A-listers. The Press Trust of India reported that the Indian team left early to avoid Mr Mallya.
Mr Mallya had already been photographed watching from the stands as India thumped Pakistan in their Champions Trophy opener, challenging those who bristled at the sight of the accused fraudster enjoying a day at the cricket.
"Wide sensational media coverage on my attendance at the IND v PAK match at Edgbaston. I intend to attend all games to cheer the India team," Mallya wrote on Twitter.
Wide sensational media coverage on my attendance at the IND v PAK match at Edgbaston. I intend to attend all games to cheer the India team.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) June 6, 2017
India has been trying unsuccessfully to bring Mallya before the courts and his creditors have been attempting to retrieve debts.
But the 61-year-old has refused voluntarily to return from Britain to face multiple charges. He was arrested in London in April following an extradition request from India and granted bail.
Last month he was found guilty of contempt by the Supreme Court after he was found to have violated orders by transferring $40 million to his three children.
The court has requested he appear before July 10, when a judgement is expected to be handed down.
Mr Mallya, who dropped off India's rich list in 2014, has denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly ignored court warrants and requests to appear before investigators.